Staying safe on the road is a top priority for any driver. As you progress in your driving experience, you may become more careless, so it’s important to refine your skills and stay sharp on the road.. This article will remind you of some essential road safety tips, irrespective of how long you’ve been driving.1,2,3
What’s the recent death toll on South African roads?
An RTMC (Road Traffic Management Corporation) report of 21 June 2022 revealed that 12,545 people lost their lives on South African roads during 2021. If every driver in South Africa obeys essential road safety tips, this trend should significantly improve.1,2
Avoid any distractions
Cell phones have become one of the biggest risks we face as road users. It’s illegal to look at your cell phone while driving. It’s important to address the addictive behaviour of wanting to look at your phone for every incoming message. Don’t fall for the idea that having a quick look is okay. By taking your eyes off the road for only two seconds, you will have travelled up to 66 metres at a speed of 120 km/hour. This is more than a 50-metre-long Olympic-size swimming pool. A lot can happen during those 66 metres.1
Don’t deceive yourself
You may have already looked many times at your cell phone while driving, and without any consequences. This may cause you to believe it’s safe to continue this practice. But can you afford to experience that one time when things don’t work out? So, it’s better to put the phone away unless you have a hands-free kit installed in the car.1
Other distractions to avoid
Fiddling with the radio, CD player or air conditioning settings, or eating and drinking coffee, are well-known distractions you must avoid while driving.1
Wearing safety belts is a legal requirement in South Africa
Any passenger or driver in South Africa must wear a safety belt or have an appropriate safety seat for young children. Not wearing a safety belt is not an option. It’s a fallacy that you don’t have to wear a safety belt when driving a short distance. A safety belt prevents you from being thrown outside the vehicle during a crash. Always apply the rule of buckling up if a safety belt is available in a car. 1
Drinking and driving – what is the alcohol limit?
Even a little drink, like a 350-mL beer, a tot of brandy, or some other spirit, will push you over the limit. South African law states that there is a zero tolerance for blood alcohol percentage. So, if you are the driver, do not to drink, as it can impair your judgement. Also, avoid driving if some medicines make you feel drowsy.1,3
Have you had enough sleep?
It’s well-known that the average person requires 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily. You cannot cheat your body of, say, 4 hours of sleep by going on holiday at 02h00 while the kids are asleep. Whether you like it or not, your brain could switch off at some point during your journey. Falling asleep at the wheel has serious consequences, even if it’s only for two seconds. A driver deprived of sleep is like a person under the influence of alcohol. 1
Speed kills, says the road sign
Many of us driving on South African roads have seen this sign, reminding us of the danger of speeding. Breaking the speed limit and going at 140 km/hour means you cover up to 39 metres in one second. So, when you spot trouble ahead and you take one second to decide, you have already travelled 39 metres. Often, driving below the speed limit, when in a rainstorm for instance, is advisable. Constantly adjust your speed to a safe limit according to prevailing circumstances. Arrive at your destination a bit later and more safely than not at all. 1
Disclaimer
The purpose of this article is to remind you of common road safety tips. 1,2,3
Pay attention to road safety tips to minimise the chance of having an accident. But do you have adequate insurance for your car? If you’re unsure, contact us at PMD and learn more about our affordable car insurance products based on our world-class expertise. These products provide unique benefits such as fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess* T’s and C’s apply.
As with all financial services products, first contact a certified financial advisor for professional advice to make sure you are buying the correct product.
Sources:
1https://www.self.com/story/car-road-safety-tips
2https://www.rtmc.co.za/images/rtmc/docs/press_releases/2022/Young-people-dying-on-RSA-roads.pdf
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.